Binibining Pilipinas queens dance to celebrate International Womens Month

Women's Month: Binibining Pilipinas queens show fitness routine; Samantha Panlilio signs with Viva

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) gathered some of its reigning queens to celebrate International Women's Month at the Araneta City recently. The "Fearless Filipina"-themed event focused on the physical strength of women and the many things they can overcome and accomplish.

"Right now, we are focusing on the pre-pageant application activities. We speak to the new batch of entrants and give them pointers that are useful to their pageant experience. This is part of our 18-month contractual obligations with BPCI.

"I am also busy taking up acting lessons after signing for a five-year contract with Viva Artists Management. Me and my sister queens have been reunited now that things are opening up. I still do the same things to stay fit, like dieting and going to the gym," shared reigning Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Alexandra Panlilio.

The reigning queens - Binibining Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Alexandra Panlilio, 1st runner-up Gabrielle Basiano, and 2nd runner-up Meiji Cruz, together with Miss Araneta City 2021 Francesca Taruc - were all in their fitness gear to showcase the physical strength of Filipinas. All five queens joined in a Zumba routine at the Times Square Food Park, to the delight of mid-afternoon diners and pageant fans who were present during the event.

"Events like the International Women's Month breaks the bias against women in general. It shows people how working mothers strike a balance between their workplace and home life. For my part, I am focused on my advocacy with the DOST's 'Invent Science Program' in Philippine high schools. Likewise, I am very involved with my 'Books of Tomorrow" project in Masbate. This was an initiative I started when the pandemic struck. 

"I opened an Instagram page where donors and recipients could interact. The books we receive are sorted out to those who'll receive them. Book donors simply get in touch through our Facebook page. As of now, we have three reading hubs all over Masbate," revealed Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold.

The BPCI's relevance, as an organization, lies in more than just the quest for the true Filipina beauty. It is the gateway to many meaningful opportunities to be able to make a difference in the world with its enduring commitment to various humanitarian causes.

"I'm not closing my pageant journey as of yet. I'm aiming for the Grand International title as it is a challenge to win the elusive golden crown. If and when the chance would come my way, I'd simply show what's in my heart and give what the title and the MGI organization wants. One piece of advice I give to would-be entrants is to never compare yourself with others," intimated Binibining Pilipinas 2021 1st runner-up Gabbi Basiano.

Binibining Pilipinas is set to crown a new batch of young and empowered queens - International, Globe, InterContinental, Grand International, and another new title - who will promote beauty and advocacy on the pageant stage.

"Right now, I'm busy with my hosting jobs over at the PTV-4 network. I have a morning show ('Rise & Shine Pilipinas'), a weekend show for the Department of Agriculture, and an LGBTQ program entitled 'Beyond Letters'," intoned Binibining Pilipinas 2021 2nd runner-up Meiji Cruz.

Interested aspirants can now download the 2022 SEARCH IS ON application form from the organization's Web site at https://www.bbpilipinas.com. The deadline for submission of applications is on April 8. Stay tuned! — Video and photo by Jan Milo Severo

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐮-𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐰 𝐬𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐧

Sa makausa pa napuno sa naglanog-lanog nga singgit, katawa, ug hudyaka sa libu-libong mga katawhan nga malipayong misaksi sa Walang Iwanan Concert, kalingawan panahon sa kagabhion, nga gidalit atol sa selebrasyon sa kapistahan ni Sr. San Jose nga gisaulog sa San Jose Parish sa Pantukan Marso 19,2022.

Ang Concert, nga naghimong talagsaon ug mas lingaw nga selebrasyon sa Fiesta, malipayong gidalit sa mga Sponsors nga sila Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Papa Gov Senior BM Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy, SB Member Mes Catherine Uy Pangay, Former Gov. Atty. Jose Caballero, Mayor Roberto Yugo, SB Member Chino Sarenas, sa Walang Iwanan Production Team, ug mga kauban sa Team Anak ng Pantukan.

Ang Walang Iwanan Concert diha himoa sa Pantukan Sports Complex nga napuno sa libu-libong mga katawhan nga puno sa kalipay ug kasadya nga misaksi sa mga paglingaw nga gidalit nila Dominic Roque, Querobin Llavorie, sa Day Break Band, Rennaizanz PH, ug Garbo All Stars nga kauban ni Papa Gov pagdalit sa nindot niyang awit nga gikahinamang paminawon sa mga katawhan sa lungsod.

“Walang Iwanan sa Kalingawan! Happy fiesta sa tanang Pantukenyos! Amoang pasalamat sa inyuhang pagmahal sukad sauna hangtod karon! Padayon kita sa nasugdang kabag-ohan sa lungsod sa Pantukan!

 Daghang salamat sa tanang niadto ug nitan-aw sa atong simpleng Walang Iwanan Concert! Salamat sa Walang Iwanan production team … for making this possible! Aduna pay daghang atangan sa umaabot nga adlaw!” Matud ni Papa Gov Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy. (Gilbert Magadan Cabahug PAO IPRD DdO, Photos from Chino Sarenas-Anak ng Pantukan/Papa Gov)

Businessmen hail signing of new Public Service Act

by Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin

Local and foreign investors hailed the signing into law of the Public Service Act (PSA) by President Duterte, while Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez revealed at least investment leads of $100 billion over a two-year period as the law opens up to 100 percent foreign ownership of public services in the country and creating more jobs for Filipinos.

Initially, Lopez said the amended PSA is projected to haul in more than $60 billion investments in the telecommunications, transportation, logistics and railways sectors. “This is still understated as other leaders have not indicated investment amount. Can be over $100 billion over two years,“ Lopez added without identifying the investment leads.

From the private sector, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) applauded the signing of the bill amending the 1936 PSA pointing out that the amendments will match that of Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam’s level of liberalization in these sectors.

“AmCham is confident that its signing, along with other recent investment liberalization bills –the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Foreign Investments Act –will significantly help the Philippines compete with its regional neighbors in bringing in investments to the Philippines. It will also be extremely helpful to the long-run recovery of the economy after the pandemic,” American investors said in a statement.

 

The American business chamber, which was incorporated in 1920, vowed to continue to endeavor to contribute to the Philippine economic growth and serves the interests of Philippine and American businesses through the participation of members in promoting its long-term objectives. AmCham represents over 700 member organization’s voice and interests.

Officials of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI – AHK Philippinen), who were invited to witness the signing of the law in Malacanang as well the presentation of the recently enacted Amendments to Foreign Investments Act (Republic Act No. 11647), also lauded the enactment of the amended PSA.

GPCCI President Stefan Schmitz said “The passage of the Amendments of the Public Service Act harmonizes with the recently passed amendments to Retail Trade Liberalization Act and Foreign Investment Act” said “with these laws enacted, we are confident that the country can attract many investors in various sectors and will benefit Filipinos by improving basic services and creating more jobs.”

GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer said the “game-changing law shall break major economic barriers in the country and will be beneficial for the economic recovery.”

Zimmer said the enactment of RA 11659 seeks to ease or lift restrictions on foreign investments in public services by amending the 85-years-old public service law, distinguish definitions between “public utilities” and “public services”, and repeal provisions that limit foreign participation in certain economic activities.

The amendments will attract global players to help modernize Philippine public services telecommunications, shipping, air carriers, railways, and subways. Increased competition is seen to generate higher quality of service and competitive pricing for consumers.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) noted of how they and other private sector groups collaborated to support the passage of the PSA amendments.

MAP President Alfredo “Fred” E. Pascual said that along with the recently amended Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA) and the Foreign Investment Act (FIA), the amended PSA provides a legal framework to encourage the inflow of more foreign investments into the country. “The entry of foreign investors will foster strong competition that will benefit the consumers, create more jobs, expand our economy, and boost our recovery from the disruptions caused by COVID-19.A more open Philippine economy will enable us to catch up with our more progressive neighbors in ASEAN,” said Pascual.

In a statement, the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) said the enactment of the Amendments to the Public Service Act is the most game-changing economic legislative reform in 86 years that is pro-consumer, pro-security and pro-growth.

As the Philippine economy emerges from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, FEF said, the enactment of this law will facilitate new opportunities and sustainable growth by fostering competition in the public service sector, attracting much-needed foreign direct investments, and paving the way for better access, quality, and rates of public services.

FEF commended legislators and the government’s economic managers for crafting a law that not only opened the country to FDI and creates a more competitive public sector, but also safeguards the nation from potential national security threats, protects the welfare of small local businesses, and ensures benefits for Filipino businessmen.

“This new law will bring huge benefits for business and individual consumers alike, with the entry of more investors in the telecommunications and transport industries offering a wider choice at different price points. We foresee increased investments in the sectors opened up to a maximum of 100% foreign ownership such as telecommunications, shipping, trains and railways, airports and airlines, toll roads, and transport network vehicles (TNVs),” FEF said.

As new foreign investments enter the country, the amended Public Service Act establishes rules to protect the country from malign intentions that endangers our national security. The provisions on vetting of potential investments in critical infrastructure, and the requirement for an ISO certification for Information Security for telecommunications investors ensures that the Philippines will be less vulnerable to cyber threats and domination of foreign interests.

The amended law likewise protects consumer welfare by increasing the penalties for erring companies engaged in public services. It also provides protection for small operators in the transportation industry by retaining the 60/40 restriction for public utility vehicles such as tricycles and jeepneys. Filipino businessmen likewise benefit, as the law includes a reciprocity provision that may open up business opportunities for them in other countries. Another benefit of the law is the creation of more jobs for Filipinos with the entry of more investments.

Philippines is 2nd happiest country in Southeast Asia

by Alexandria Dennise San Juan, Manila Bulletin

The Philippines is now the second happiest country in Southeast Asia, according to the 2022 World Happiness Report (WHR), Malacañang announced.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Philippines earned the second spot among Southeast Asian countries in the latest WHR released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

“Ang Pilipinas po sa ngayon ang pangalawan pinaka-masayang bansa o happiest country sa Southeast Asia. Ito ay ayon sa 2022 World Happiness Report ng Sustainable Development Solutions Network (The Philippines is now the second happiest country in Southeast Asia. This is based on the 2022 World Happiness Report of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network),” Andanar said.

In the 10th edition of the WHR published last week, the country also ranked 60th out of 146 countries across the world with a score of 5.904. This is a notch higher than the 61st spot in 2021.

Finland remains the happiest country in the world for the fifth straight year with a score of 7.821 this 2022. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is at the bottom of the rankings with a score of 2.404.

In the Southeast Asian region, Singapore topped the list with a score of 6.480 and ranked 27th worldwide. Other Southeast Asian countries included in the rankings are Thailand (61st), Malaysia (70th), Vietnam (77th), Indonesia (87th), Laos (95th) Cambodia (114th), and Myanmar (126th).

Based on the WHR website, the report measures happiness “based on life evaluations as the more stable measure of the quality of people’s lives.” The happiness of each country can also be explained through different factors such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.

“Overall levels of life evaluations have been fairly stable during two years of Covid-19, matched by modest changes in the global rankings,” the report read.

“Among the six variables used to explain these levels, there has been general growth in real GDP per capita and healthy life expectancy, generally declining perceptions of corruption and freedom, declining generosity (until 2020), and fairly constant overall levels of social support,” it added.

The 2022 WHR also showed that positive emotions have generally been twice as prevalent as negative ones—a gap that has been narrowing over the past ten years.

“The COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020 has led to a 2021 pandemic of benevolence with equally global spread. All must hope that the pandemic of benevolence will live far beyond COVID-19. If sustainable, this outpouring of kindness provides grounds for hope and optimism in a world needing more of both,” it added.

Wetter in Bayern: Frühlingshaft mild, „Sonne von früh bis spät“

 

„Sonne von früh bis spät“: Wetterprognose für Bayern lässt Biergarten-Fans jubeln

Erstellt: 22.03.2022Aktualisiert: 22.03.2022, 05:28 Uhr

Von: Katarina Amtmann

Ist der Frühling endlich da? Der Wochenstart ist in Bayern vielversprechend. Die Wetterprognose für den Rest der Woche kann sich sehen lassen. Alle News im Ticker.

Wetter* in Bayern: DWD verspricht „Sonne von früh bis spät“.

Meteorologe Jung: Hoch* Peter hat möglicherweise viel Ausdauer.

Dieser Wetter-Ticker für Bayern wird regelmäßig aktualisiert.

München – Die Sonne strahlt aktuell vielerorts vom bayerischen Himmel – auch die nächsten Tage versprechen viel Sonnenschein und hohe Temperaturen. Aber der Reihe nach. „Heute Mittag und auch im weiteren Tagesverlauf meist ungehinderter Sonnenschein“, heißt es in der Vorhersage des Deutschen Wetterdienstes (DWD) für den Start in die Woche. Nur vereinzelt gebe es dünne hohe Schleierwolken, an den Alpen später ein paar lockere Quellwolken. Örtlich zehn Grad in der nördlichen Oberpfalz, westlich des Spessarts bis zu 17 Grad. Es weht schwacher bis mäßiger Wind.*

Auch am Dienstag wird es „frühlingshaft mild“. Die Temperaturen in Bayern erreichen zwischen 13 und 18 Grad. Auch am Mittwoch sagt der DWD „Sonne von früh bis spät“ voraus, die Temperaturen können im Freistaat dann sogar auf bis zu 20 Grad klettern. Am Donnerstag sind sogar bis zu 21 Grad möglich. Es wird also offenbar eine gute Woche für jeden, der gerne bei einer Mass und Brotzeit im Biergarten sitzt.

Duterte signs law allowing full foreign ownership of key sectors like telcos

By Philstar.com

March 21, 2022 | 6:34pm

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday signed into law the Public Service Act, which would ease restrictions on foreign investments in key industries.

The law amended the 85-year-old Commonwealth Act 146, known as the Public Service Act. The changes would open industries that foreigners were once limited to own or invest in — such as telecommunications, airlines, and railways — to full foreign ownership since they would be excluded from the definition of "public utility."

There are still some sectors that are restricted to full foreign equity such as public utility vehicles, power, water, seaports and petroleum pipelines. Under the 1987 Constitution, only corporations that are at least 60% owned by Filipinos shall be given “the franchise, certificate and authorization” to operate as a public utility.

As it is, the enactment of Public Service Act is Duterte’s latest attempt to open up the economy even more to foreign businessmen. Last January, he signed into law a bill amending the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000. That new law trims the required capital for foreign retailers to P25 million from $2.5 million (at least P125 million) previously to entice global brands to open their shops here.

By easing the country’s protectionist policies, the Duterte administration is hoping that the Philippines can now corner more job-generating foreign capital for Filipinos. In Southeast Asia, several reports show the Philippines has been lagging in terms of attracting foreign direct investments, with the coronavirus onslaught further tarnishing the country’s appeal to investors.

Beyond job creation, some experts said allowing more foreign participation in important industries would encourage competition, which could benefit consumers through affordable prices.

But some watchers said the longstanding issues of corruption, cronyism and red tape in the country will still deter foreign investments since it continues to delay permits, disqualify competition, and raise capital costs to do business in the country.

Ana Jalandoni deletes photos of boyfriend Kit Thompson

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

One of the last photos of Kit Thompson and Ana Jalandoni together that was posted on social media. This picture has been deleted.

Actress Ana Jalandoni is done with her boyfriend Kit Thompson – at least on social media.

This after Ana deleted the photos of her boyfriend on Instagram.

As of March 21, not one photo of Kit could be seen on Ana’s social media account. Kit has apparently done the same with their photos together on Instagram.

On Facebook March 18, Ana said that she will soon issue a statement about what happened to her in Tagaytay City on March 17.

She wrote:

“When you love someone, you will never ever harm them.

“Minahal mo ba talaga?

“This is me saying, you all should be careful out there. I can’t reply to all of you right now, but thank you for checking up on me.

“I will release a statement soon.”

On March 18, police confirmed they rescued Jalandoni at a hotel in Tagaytay City.

Police arrested actor Kit who allegedly detained and injured his girlfriend.

Cornerstone Entertainment has also released an official statement on the alleged involvement of Kit on the controversy. Kit is a talent of Cornerstone Entertainment.

Kit was temporarily released on bail following an altercation with Ana.

Diesel prices on rollback by P11.45/liter; gasoline by P5.45 per liter

Filipino motorists can finally heave a sigh of relief after roughly three months in financial squeeze at the pumps as diesel prices will be on rollback by P11.45 per liter and gasoline prices will also be cut by P5.45 per liter.

Das Auswärtige Amt gibt bekannt: Philippinen

 

Philippinen: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (Teilreisewarnung)

21.03.2022

Letzte Änderung:

Aktuelles – COVID-19 (Einreise, Durch- und Weiterreise, Beschränkungen im Land, Hygieneregeln)

Sicherheit (Terrorismus)
Natur/Klima (Tropenstürme und Überschwemmungen)


Lagen können sich schnell verändern und entwickeln. Insbesondere die COVID-19-Bestimmungen unterliegen laufenden Änderungen.

Wir empfehlen Ihnen:

- Verfolgen Sie Nachrichten und Wetterberichte.
- Achten Sie auf einen ausreichenden Reisekrankenversicherungsschutz. https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/-/350944
- Abonnieren Sie unseren Newsletter https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/newsroom/newsletter/bestellen-node oder nutzen Sie unsere App „Sicher Reisen". https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/app-sicher-reisen/350382
- Folgen Sie uns auf Twitter: AA_SicherReisen https://twitter.com/AA_SicherReisen
- Registrieren Sie sich in unserer Krisenvorsorgeliste. https://krisenvorsorgeliste.diplo.de
- Erkundigen Sie sich vorab bei den Behörden/Botschaften Ihres Reiselandes https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/vertretungen-anderer-staaten zu den aktuell geltenden, verbindlichen Einreisebestimmungen sowie bei Flug- und Bahngesellschaften nach den geltenden Beförderungsbestimmungen.
- Beachten Sie unseren Haftungsausschluss https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/haftungsausschluss/2500954 und den Hinweis zu Inhalten anderweitiger Anbieter. https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/inhalte-anderweitiger-anbieter/2500956

Aktuelles
COVID-19

Angesichts der weltweiten COVID-19-Pandemie bestehen weiterhin Risiken bei internationalen Reisen, insbesondere für Personen ohne vollständigen Impfschutz. Hierzu mehr unter COVID-19. https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/gesundheit-fachinformationen/reisemedizinische-hinweise/Coronavirus/-/2309820

Einreise

Bestimmungen zur Einreise ändern sich mit der Pandemielage häufig. Bitte informieren Sie sich zusätzlich auf der Webseite der Regierung der Philippinen https://www.doh.gov.ph/.

Die Einreise für vollständig geimpfte Ausländer ist für touristische Aufenthalte und Geschäftsreisen bis zu längstens 30 Tagen möglich, wenn sie unter Executive Order No. 408 (s. 1960) https://dfa.gov.ph/list-of-countries-for-21-day-visa fallen und durch diese von der Visumspflicht befreit, sowie bei Einreise im Besitz eines noch sechs Monate gültigen Reisepasses sind und einen Flugschein über einen Rück- oder Weiterflug (hiervon ausgenommen sind ausländische Ehepartner und Kinder philippinischer Staatsangehöriger sowie ehemalige philippinische Staatsangehörige mit „Balikbayan Privileg“ und deren mitreisende ausländische Ehepartner und Kinder) sowie eine in den Philippinen anerkannte Reisekrankenversicherung mit Mindestdeckungsschutz in Höhe von 35.000 USD für den vorgesehenen Aufenthaltszeitraum vorlegen können. Die Staatenliste kann auf der Webseite der philippinischen Botschaft in Berlin http://philippine-embassy.de/visas/ abgerufen werden. Deutschland gehört derzeit zu diesen Ländern. Ausländische Kinder unter 12 Jahre müssen nicht voll geimpft sein und auch keinen Nachweis über ihren Impfstatus vorlegen, wenn sie ihre vollständig geimpften Eltern begleiten.

Für länger als 30 Tage geplante nicht-touristische oder nicht-geschäftliche Aufenthalte der Visumskategorie 9 (a) ist ein „Entry Exemption Document (EED)“ erforderlich.

Die Einreise für vollständig geimpfte Inhaber von Langzeitvisa anderer Kategorien ist unter den unten genannten Bedingungen ebenfalls möglich.

Nicht vollständig geimpften ausländischen Reisenden wird die Einreise verweigert.

Als vollständig geimpft gilt, wer einen Impfnachweis über eine in den Philippinen erfolgte vollständige Impfung oder einen von den Philippinen anerkannten ausländischen Impfnachweis vorlegt. Deutsche Impfnachweise in Form des gelben WHO-Impfbuches oder das Digitale COVID-Zertifikat der EU werden anerkannt. Kreuzimpfungen werden akzeptiert, eine einfache Impfung nach einem durchgemachten Infekt ist hingegen nicht ausreichend.

Die Quarantänevorgaben richten sich nach dem Nachweis des Impfstatus der Reisenden:
• Vollständig geimpft mit anerkanntem Impfnachweis, negativer PCR-Test nicht älter als 48 Stunden oder negativer laborbasierter Antigentest nicht älter als 24 Stunden (Antigentest gilt nicht für Inhaber von Langzeitvisa) vor Abflug → keine Quarantäne, Selbstbeobachtung auf Symptome für sieben Tage. Verpflichtende Kontaktaufnahme mit den lokalen Gesundheitsbehörden bei Auftreten von Symptomen.
• Vollständig geimpft, aber kein anerkannter Impfnachweis, negativer PCR-Test nicht älter als 48 Stunden vor Abflug → Quarantäne in Quarantäne-Einrichtung, Buchung muss bei Abflug vorliegen, PCR-Test am fünften Tag, nach negativem Ergebnis Entlassung und Heimquarantäne bis zum 14. Tag.
• Die Quarantänevorgaben für Kinder unter 12 Jahre, die nicht geimpft werden können, richten sich nach den Vorgaben für begleitende Sorgeberechtigte/Eltern.
Nähere Informationen können bei der philippinischen Botschaft http://philippine-embassy.de/ erfragt werden.

Alle Reisenden (ausgenommen Diplomaten) müssen sich vor Einreise über das Portal „One Health Pass https://www.onehealthpass.com.ph/e-HDC/“ registrieren. Der Nachweis in Form eines QR Codes ist den Fluggesellschaften beim Einchecken vorzulegen.
Informationen zu eventuellen Erfordernissen für Flugreisen erteilen die einzelnen Fluggesellschaften.

Durch- und Weiterreise
Reisen zwischen den Provinzen sind eingeschränkt möglich, die Einreiseregularien variieren stark. Es müssen teilweise Gesundheitszeugnisse, ein negativer PCR- oder Antigentest oder Impfnachweise vorgelegt werden. Die Nutzung öffentlicher Verkehrsmittel ist zunehmend nur noch für geimpfte Personen erlaubt. Dies betrifft auch Inlandsflug- und Fährverbindungen.

Die Ausreise ist Ausländern, die sich im Land aufhalten, jederzeit erlaubt. Manche Fluggesellschaften verlangen für den Reiseantritt in den Philippinen einen negativen PCR- oder Antigentest oder einen Impfnachweis.

Reiseverbindungen
Für die Einreise über die Flughäfen in Manila, Clark und Cebu bestehen Kontingente. Fluggesellschaften erhalten ihre Kontingente mit geringem zeitlichen Vorlauf, was zu kurzfristigen Umbuchungen oder Flugstornierungen führen kann.

Beschränkungen im Land
Die Quarantänemaßnahmen sind regional unterschiedlich. Derzeit gilt im Großraum Manila eine niedrige Quarantänestufe mit teilweise Einschränkungen in der Bewegungsfreiheit. Stadtbezirke können diese Einschränkungen eigenständig verschärfen.
Die zwischenzeitlich unterbrochenen regulären Verkehrsverbindungen zwischen den Inseln des Landes wurden wieder aufgenommen, können jedoch jederzeit kurzfristig wiedereingestellt werden.
Die touristische Infrastruktur ist eingeschränkt, einige Hotels und Resorts sind geschlossen.

Hygieneregeln
Im öffentlichen Raum (in Gebäuden, aber auch im Freien) gilt die Pflicht, einen Mund-Nasen-Schutz zu tragen. Es gibt das Gebot, sozialen Abstand zu wahren. Massenansammlungen sind eingeschränkt zulässig.

Pinoy pop rising

by Jules Vivas, Manila Bulletin

Much can be said about the local entertainment industry, in particular, the performing arts.

Young performers today have shown great potential, enthusiasm, and passion. Homegrown singers exemplify vocal prowess and charm on par with Korean idols, a huge hit in the Philippines right now.

Pinoy talents are becoming increasingly popular abroad. There’s SB19, a five-member boy group that made history by being the first Filipino artist to chart and debut at the Billboard Next Big Sound chart. Ben&Ben emerged at the top of the Melon Realtime Search Chart in South Korea and is the most-streamed Filipino artist on Spotify with over billions of streams.

These are only two prime examples, and there are far more Pinoy talents out there who deserve recognition. The thing about the Filipino’s consumption of music is that we tend to support more foreign and international artists over our own. It takes international acclaim for Filipino artists to be truly acknowledged.

A venue for local talents to celebrate the best of Original Pinoy Music (OPM), the first-ever Tugatog Filipino Music Festival is set to take place on June 18, this year. The annual event by Ant Savvy Creatives and Entertainment Inc. elevates Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) to new heights and helps uplift Filipino musicians, both prominent and rising, to the global stage. A play on the words Tugtog (music), Tugtug (heartbeat), and Tugatog (peak), the concert gathers some of the youngest, most promising Pinoy performers on a single platform.

P-Pop is not solely entertainment. It’s now about embracing our roots and heritage at a time national identity needs to be relearned and re-established.

“We’ve worked on many memorable live concerts with Ant Savvy Creatives in these past years and every time we needed to mount a new concert, we had to inevitably raise the bar higher,” says Miggy Tanchanco, festival show director. “Even during the pandemic when we had to build a digital concert together, we knew we were breaking new ground when it came to creating a unique music experience for the Filipino audience.”

To encapsulate the magic of P-Pop, Tugatog promises to combine the best elements of live and recorded performances to create visually stunning experiences. Think digital P-Pop Party. It would be purely online in compliance with the health protocols amid the pandemic.

Tugatog not only celebrates artists but our identity in music as Filipinos. It also gives consumers a chance to support Filipino talents. “This way, we are able to honor the different voices that keep the community alive and contribute to building the culture and craft of Filipino music. Every voice, every sound, and every beat—that is what Tugatog is all about,” explains Anj Heruela, executive strategy and communications officer of Ant Savvy Creatives & Entertainment Inc. She adds that talents serve as inspiration to others, through their music and stories of hard work to reach their status now.

 

Featured in the first edition of the music fest are Alamat, BGYO, Bini, Litz, MNL48, PPop Generation, Press Hit Play, VXON, 1st One, among others.

 

Tugatog Filipino Music Festival will be held virtually in June 2022 via the online streaming website TicketMelon. Live chat will be open for viewers to engage and interact with each other while the show is ongoing. VIP tickets are priced at ₱2,700 while Premier at ₱1,800. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmelon.com/antsavvy/tugatog-filipino-music-festival-2022. Those buying tickets until March 31 get a 30 percent discount.

“In the future, we hope to bring the Tugatog experience to fans all over the Philippines. We want to take Tugatog to different regions so we can also feature local artists in the lineup. We want Tugatog to be the platform that not only brings artists to audiences in different regions but also puts a spotlight on talents from all over the country,” says Su Matias, chief executive officer.

P-Pop is not solely entertainment. It’s now about embracing our roots and heritage at a time national identity needs to be relearned and re-established. It serves more meaningful purposes, including connecting us, healing the broken, freeing the soul, and generally opening up whole new doors, shaping perspectives, and reflecting who the Filipinos are today.

@tugatogph | mabuhay@tugatog.ph